MANILA, (PNA) — The Department of Health (DOH) said on Friday more than Php240 million worth of drugs, medicines and other medical supplies have been prepositioned for hospitals in the regions that maybe affected by super typhoon “Ruby.”
In a press briefing held at the DOH’s Media Relations Unit (MRU) in Sta. Cruz, Manila, DOH Assistant Secretary Gerardo Bayugo said the medical supplies were readied as part of the department’s preparations for the onslaught of the strong typhoon, the 18th cyclone to hit the country this year.
According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), “Ruby” is expected to make landfall over the Eastern Samar-Northern Samar area by Saturday evening.
Dr. Bayuga said the DOH has also provided hotline number 7111001 wherein the people affected by the typhoon may call to seek immediate medical health assistance.
“The DOH regional offices are also in constant coordination with provincial and municipal health offices for updates in weather monitoring and any untoward health event,” Bayuga added.
He also said that to ensure no interruption on the mobility of the health teams and delivery of medicines or medical services under the so-called “buddy system,” motorcycles and bicycles have also been readied in regional offices as immediate alternative vehicles to be used in areas that maybe rendered impassable to heavy vehicles.
According to Dr. Cirilo Galindez, DOH Director for Emergency Management, the logistics included in the prepositioned supplies are medicines for common illnesses like cough, fever and skin diseases.
There will also be provision of WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) for clean and safe water for drinking and nutritional supplements.
“Tetanus toxoids will be injected to those who maybe wounded or injured by pointed or sharp objects due to the typhoon,” Galindez said.
Meanwhile, during the press briefing, DOH Acting Secretary Janette Garin said they will be coordinating with the World Health Organization (WHO) for additional satellite phones to ensure better and effective way of communication with the regions along the path of the typhoon. (PNA)